I was still in shock as we arrived at the bakery.
"Wait here," Sadie said before disappearing inside. Gratefully, I sank into a chair, my mind racing. Did Sadie and James get married in the future? The revelation felt surreal.
Then, another memory surfaced—one I had buried long ago.
When I was 31, I received an email from James Carter. Darian saw it and immediately assumed I was cheating. At the time, I hadn't known he was the one being unfaithful. In the end, I never even opened the email. I had been too afraid of Darian's anger.
Sadie's voice pulled me back to the present.
"Here, Astrid."
She placed a cake box in front of me. Inside, a small cake sat with delicate frosting. On top, in neat lettering, it read:
Happy Birthday, Astrid.
Tears pricked my eyes. It's been so long since someone gave me a birthday cake.
"I'm sorry, Astrid, for not celebrating with you yesterday," Sadie said as she handed me the box.
I shook my head, unable to speak past the lump in my throat.
"Come on, let's head to your house and eat it together," she added, patting my back.
As we walked, guilt settled heavily in my chest. I never went to Sadie's wedding. I imagined her standing at the altar, the most beautiful bride, while I wasn't there to see it. I hoped she and James would have a long, happy marriage.
Unlike me and Darian.
We never had a grand wedding. We were young and poor, only able to afford a marriage license. Was that why he cheated? Has he grown bored with me?
Before I could dwell on it further, we arrived home. The moment I opened the door, my mother's voice cut through the air like a blade.
"Astrid Valehard, where have you been?"
I froze. Mom stood in the entryway, arms crossed, her expression firm. Behind me, Sadie shifted awkwardly and attempted to hide behind my back.
Mom's eyes narrowed. "Looks like you brought someone with you."
Sadie peeked out, looking guilty. "I'm sorry, Aunt Mabel," she mumbled.
"Look, Mom, Sadie brought me a cake," I said quickly, trying to ease the tension.
Mom wasn't having it. "Don't try to talk your way out of this, young lady. You're both in trouble."
For the next fifteen minutes, she scolded us relentlessly about staying out late and not telling her where we had gone.
But in the end, she sighed and relented.
"Come on, let's eat this cake together," she said, her tone softer now.
Sadie and I exchanged relieved glances before sitting at the table. As we ate, the warmth of home and childhood memories filled the air.
Then, Sadie spoke. "So, Astrid… are you going to school tomorrow?"
Her words made my stomach twist.
I didn't know.
Would I keep hiding here in my home?
Or would I go and face Darian?